Objective To explore the mechanism modulating the function of dendritic cells (DCs) and promoting the T cell response by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods Splenic DCs were purified with anti-CD11c immunomagnetic beads. After DCs were stimulated with LPS, the expressions of co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on the DCs were detected by flow cytometry. The protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-6, IL-12p40, IL-12p70 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the culture supernatant were measured by ELISA. The apoptotic levels of DCs which were labeled with annexinV-FITC/PI were determined by flow cytometry. The phosphorylation level of nuclear factor κB P65 (NF-κB P65) was assessed by phos-flow. The mRNA levels of variable genes in microarray were determined by real-time PCR. The proliferation of CD4(+) T cells which were co-cultured with OVA323-329-treated DCs was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results The purity of DCs reached over 93% after isolation. LPS up-regulated the expressions of CD80 and CD86 and enhanced DCs-mediated proliferation of CD4(+) T cells. In addition, LPS increased the protein levels of IL-12p40, TNF-α and IL-6, and inhibited the apoptosis of DCs through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusion LPS could enhance DC-mediated proliferation of CD4(+) T cells by modulating the DCs survival and cytokine secretion.